Former Middlesbrough player eyed for transfer following Chelsea’s £52m capture of 27-goal star

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Middlesbrough have had a quiet 2025 summer transfer window so far, but one of their former players could be on the move.

Boro are yet to officially confirm a first-team signing, with much of the focus instead on potential outgoings.

Rav van den Berg is in talks with Feyenoord ahead of a potential summer exit.

As we previously revealed, Hayden Hackney was changing agents ahead of departing the Riverside Stadium this summer, with a host of teams interested.

Now, an ex-Middlesbrough man is being eyed for a move after the interested club sold a top player to Chelsea.

Former Middlesbrough man Martin Payero eyed for transfer

Amid their recent Club World Cup and Europa Conference League triumphs, Chelsea have been very active in the transfer market.

One of their biggest purchases of the summer so far was Estevao from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.

The BBC report the player has moved to Stamford Bridge for an initial £29m, which could eventually rise to £52m.

The 18-year-old scored 27 and assisted 15 for Palmeiras, who are now in the market for reinforcements following his exit.

On that front, journalist Horace Accomando has reported this week that the Brazilian side have now made new contact with Udinese for Martin Payero.

Martin Payero Middlesbrough stats

Payero made the move to Teesside from Argentine club Banfield in 2021.

The 26-year-old had a tough time at Middlesbrough, however, only featuring 16 times across all competitions.

He was eventually loaned out to Boca Juniors in 2022 before leaving Boro permanently in 2023 for Udinese.

The attacking midfielder scored one and assisted one during his time with the North East club.